Senior Judge Syed Mansoor Ali Shah has formally refused to attend the Reference for outgoing Chief Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, scheduled for October 25, 2024.
In his letter, Shah outlined serious concerns regarding Chief Justice Isa's tenure and approach to judicial leadership.
Shah emphasized the importance of honoring the judiciary's traditions, noting that a Reference should celebrate the service and dedication of a Chief Justice. However, he expressed that “traditions, like institutions, rely on the merits of those who embody them.” He recalled a similar decision he made in 2019 concerning former Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, stating that his refusal was prompted by Nisar's overreach beyond his constitutional role.
In his detailed critique of Chief Justice Isa, Shah asserted that Isa “remained complacent and indifferent to external influences and pressures on the judiciary,” thereby compromising the judiciary's integrity. He accused Isa of failing to uphold the Chief Justice's fundamental role in defending judicial independence and securing justice for all, suggesting that Isa's actions contributed to “bitter divisions and fractured relationships” within the court.
Shah condemned the idea of celebrating a Chief Justice whose tenure, in his view, was marked by “pettiness, vindictiveness, and a lowly approach to administrative matters.” He concluded by stating, “I cannot stand at a Reference for such a Chief Justice,” reflecting his deep concerns about the message that would be sent by honoring Isa's tenure.
The decision not to attend the Reference underscores ongoing tensions within Pakistan's judiciary and raises questions about the future direction of the country's legal system.
